Greenwood police are investigating plans by a group calling itself Leadership Greenwood to go caroling this weekend and collect donations of clothing and cash.
A flier was sent out saying carolers would be going door to door in North Greenwood and the Twin Lakes Subdivision from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday to take donations for the needy. The group also is to be in the “Bird Land” community and areas south of the former Shoney’s restaurant on Sunday at the same time, according to the flier.
Under city ordinance, any time a group goes door to door seeking donations it must be done through a local charity. In addition, the organization must notify the police and secure a permit, Chief Ray Moore said today.
He said that as of this morning, the group had not applied for a permit.
“These people may be legitimate,” Moore said. “There’s a lot of questions, though.”
The flier says all donated items will be given to the “local Salvation Army.” However, Lt. Benjamin Deuel, corps officer for the Greenwood Salvation Army, said Thursday he was unaware of the group’s plans.
The group also has no connection with the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Greenwood program.
The flier encourages residents who will not be at home during the caroling to leave items on a porch or in plain view for pickup, but Moore said leaving items outside unattended is a bad idea at any time of the year.
There is no contact number on the flier.
The chief said his department will be on the lookout for the carolers this weekend.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
